Learn The Difference: Cold Press vs Centrifugal Juicers

19February

There are two main types of juicers available in the market: centrifugal and cold press juicers. Although the two provide fresh juice, they operate on opposite sides of the health spectrum. It is definitely worth knowing the difference between the two before making a purchase. Not only do they vary widely in price but also in durability, usability and in the benefits to your health! Let's have a closer look at the two types and compare: cold press vs centrifugal juicers.

Centrifugal Juicers

Centrifugal juicers have been around for many years, and are the most common electric juicers found in homes across the globe. Cheaper than a cold press juicer, they can be found in retailers and department stores worldwide.

Centrifugal juicers use internal blades to extract juice, and spin up to 30,000 revs per minute. This pumps air through produce, incurring premature oxidisation. The blades shred fruit and vegetables into tiny particles exposing them to air, compromising their nutrient value. The juicer disposes of its waste in an external container most of the time, and the pulp attaches itself to the parts inside the juicing machine.

The high-speed and heat generated from the blades compromises the living nutrients and enzymes found in whole fruit and vegetables. This will leave the juice looking pale and the pulp will begin to separate.

When separation occurs the vital enzymes, nutrients and minerals found in fruit and vegetables, has depleted from premature oxidisation during the extraction process. Centrifugal juice needs to be drunk immediately after it is extracted from the juicer.

While a Centrifugal Juicer is not a nutritionally beneficial as a cold press juicer, they do come generally at a lower cost and are good for those only beginning to juice.

Cold Press Juicers

Cold press juicers (also referred to as masticating juicers) have been in the market since 1934 but only have become a mainstream kitchen appliance in the last ten years. Cold press juicers extract juice from produce using a gentle crushing and squeezing action. This ensures that the vital enzymes, nutrients and minerals stay intact. This extraction method is still regarded as the best in the world. In fact, independent research shows that a cold press juicer retains double the nutrients to its centrifugal counterparts.

Many health-conscious people prefer using cold press juicers to centrifugal juicers because they operate at a lower speed and heat. With a cold press or living juicer, the auger turns slowly at 75 - 160 revs per minute (RPM). Since cold press juicers do not oxidise the nutrients in fruit and vegetables, the juice you drink is a more pure juice. Some cold press juicers are also all-round food processors which can make nut butters, sorbets, frozen fruit ice-cream, hummus, organic enzyme-rich baby foods, pesto and pasta.

So, Which Juicer is Better?

With both juicing machines the user is going to be able to extract juice from fruits and vegetables however, when shopping for a juicer it is so important to make an informed purchase.

When purchasing a juicer it is important to pick one which caters to the individual's lifestyle and needs. Cold pressed juicers are tested and proven to extract the highest yield of nutrients and enzymes than any centrifugal juicer in the market.

Cold press juicers do have some design elements which require users to be more thorough when preparing to juice. A smaller feeding chute than a centrifugal juicer means you will need to cut fruit and vegetables into appropriate sizes, which can take more time.

People also tend to associate fresh juice with the type found in supermarkets. Cold press juicers produce juice of a thicker consistency because you end up with more pulp making it into your glass. Some people prefer their juice this way, but for those who don't it can be easily strained.

A cold press juicer has numerous benefits:

The juice extracted from a cold press juicer is 'Living Juice', retaining its nutritional integrity 48-72 hours after extraction.

Cold press juicers are completely waste free and versatile kitchen appliances. As well as drinking fresh juice, pulp ejected can be used in composting, cooking, and as pet food.

The parts detach easily and cleaning time is reduced significantly as opposed to centrifugal juicers.

The low RPM of the motor means that cold press juicers are considerably quieter than centrifugal juicers

There are some models on the market which are so versatile they can make nut butters, baby foods, pasta and breadsticks.

Companies generally provide longer warranties on cold press juicers as their life expectancy is much greater and parts are designed to be more durable.